Dr. Razavi's Good to Know Info

These are practical and reliable responses to FAQ's from Googlers. For every person who asks a question there are several others who have the same concern. I hope that this post will take out some of the guess work for living a healthier life.
Please note the obligatory disclaimer that this is not a substitute for medical advice, and that you need to contact your doctors with any specific questions.
I wish you good health.

However a new study from Sweden reports that mammography screening in women aged 40-49 years old showed a much greater reduction in mortality from breast cancer than has been previously reported. This data showed a 29% reduction in breast cancer mortality in this age group when screening was done. In this large study, more than 1 million women were involved, and they were monitored for 16 years. This study was done because of differences in counties in Sweden. Initially in 1986 Sweden targeted women aged 50 - 69 years but left it up to individual counties to determine if women 40 - 49 years old should be screened. About half of the counties invited women aged 40 - 49 years old to undergo screening and half did not. During the follow up period between 1986 - 2005, there were 619 deaths from breast cancer in women ho had been invited for screening, and 1205 deaths in women who had not undergone screening.

For women between 40 - 49, it is best to speak with your physician. The decision may need to be made on an individualized basis. If a woman is considered to be at higher risk for breast cancer then an earlier mammography screening should be considered.